- Spectral pygmy chameleon ( Rhampholeon spectrum)
Spectral pygmy chameleon
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The spectral pygmy chameleon, western pygmy chameleon, or Cameroon stumptail chameleon[1] (Rhampholeon spectrum) is one of the so-called "dwarf" or "leaf" chameleons, from mainland Africa.
Spectral pygmy chameleon
Illustration of Bothrolycus ater andRhampholeon spectrum
Synonyms
- Chamaeleo spectrum Buchholz, 1874
- Rhampholeon affinis Steindachner, 1911
Conservation status
Scientific classification :
Kingdom:Animalia
Phylum:Chordata
Class:Reptilia
Order:Squamata
Suborder:Sauria
Family:Chamaeleonidae
Genus:Rhampholeon
Species:R. spectrum
Binomial name :
Rhampholeon spectrum
Buchholz, 1874
Distribution :
The exact distribution differs between sources, but includes at least Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, and Gabon,[1][2] and may include the Central African Republic, the Republic of the Congo,[2] and Nigeria.[1]
Description :
They are small, not exceeding 10 cm (4 in), with very short, albeit prehensile, tails. They tend to frequent the ground and low shrubbery in forested areas.[3]
This species is capable of color change, but generally in somber shades of tan to gray. It also has a ventral stripe from the eye to above the base of the tail which, however, is not always displayed in lieu of plain ground colors. It is capable of quite striking coloration in the form of streaks and blotches.
In spite of their small size, plain color, and often terrestrial habits, they are otherwise very much like the larger chameleons in possessing independently rotating eye sockets, opposable digits on the front and back feet, and projectile tongues. Males may be differentiated from females by their wider tail bases.
Behavior :
They are extremely sedentary, and not territorial (unlike other chameleons). They eat small invertebrates. Their reproductive habits are poorly known. These animals seem to prefer cooler temperatures.
For the external links , refrences click here to read the full wikipedia article
Rhampholeon spectrum – BUCHHOLZ, 1874
courtesy to : www.reptile-care.de/species/Iguania/Chamaeleonidae/Rhampholeon-spectrum.html
Rhampholeon spectrum: Wild-caught male • Wildfangmännchen
© Lutz Obelgönner
Cameroon Stump-tailed Chameleon
Description
Named after Latin spectrum = 'image, appearance, imagination', I don't know about the ethymological reason. This species shows a small, conical extension on the top snout. The colouration is less variable than in other species of stump-tailed chameleons.
Protection
none
Adult Size
up to 90 mm
Lifespan
about three years
Distribution
Cameroon, Congo, Bioko, Central African Republic, Gabon in many small, separated areas
Habitat
leaf and bush level of forest areas from 0–1,900 metres above sea level, often near water ways
Captive Care
At least 40x30x40 cm WDH, but the animals don't mind to get more space with lots of plants and fine twigs. Control is easier in smaller boxes. Stick cork bark to the walls. Temperature 23–25 °C, night temperature 20–22 °C, humidity 70–90 %, but always fresh air. Sensitive to high temperatures. Daylight fluorescent lamps or LEDs, Substrate 3 cm sand/peat mix or forest soil, place leafs on top, keep always humid, spray daily.
Food
arthropods and larvae, woodlouses, other small invertrebrates, feed irregularly, minerals/vitamins (e. g. Herpetal Complete)
Reproduction and Rearing
Keep pairs. Females dig up to 6 clutches with 1–2 eggs/year into the ground. Incubate at 19–22 °C for about 160 days. Night reduction seems to be necessary to hatch females and healthier young.
Literature / Literatur
Necas, Petr/Schmidt, Wolfgang (2004). Stummelschwanzchamäleons. Die Gattungen Brookesia und Rhampholeon. Chimaira, Frankfurt.
Necas, Petr/Schmidt, Wolfgang (2004). Stump-tailed Chameleons. Miniature Dragons of the Rainforest. Chimaira, Frankfurt.
Necas, Petr/Schmidt, Wolfgang (2004). Geheimnisvolle Mini-Drachen: Die Erd- und Stummelschwanzchamäleons der Gattungen Brookesia und Rhampholeon. Reptilia 9 (4): 18–27. NTV, Münster.
Necas, Petr/Schmidt, Wolfgang (2004). Mysterious Mini-Dragons: the stump-tailed chameleons Brookesia and Rhampholeon. Reptilia (English edition) (35): 10–21. Barcelona.
van Hoof, J. et al. (2006). Kameleons, een fascinerende hobby. Lacerta 64 (5–6): 1–96.
Rhampholeon spectrum: Close-up of wild-caught female • Porträt eines Wildfangweibchens
© Lutz Obelgönner
Rhampholeon spectrum: Close-up of wild-caught male • Porträt eines Wildfangmännchens
© Lutz Obelgönner
Rhampholeon spectrum: Wild-caught female • Wildfangweibchen
© Lutz Obelgönner
Video :
Pygmy chameleon, Rhampholeon spectrum.
Spectra Chameleons at LLLReptile
CHAMELEONS : Introduction .. Chameleons As a Pet ..
Carpet Chameleons : Part One Part Two Panter Chameleons :Part One Part Two
Vield Chameleons : Part One Part Two Fischer's Chameleons
Jackson's Chameleons : Part One Part Two Part three
Pygmy Chameleons : Part One Part Two Part Three Part Four Part Five Part Six Part Seven
Four-horned Chameleons Oustalet's Chameleons Other Chameleons : 1- Brookesia 1 , 2 , 3
CHAMELEONS : Introduction .. Chameleons As a Pet ..
Carpet Chameleons : Part One Part Two Panter Chameleons :Part One Part Two
Vield Chameleons : Part One Part Two Fischer's Chameleons
Jackson's Chameleons : Part One Part Two Part three
Pygmy Chameleons : Part One Part Two Part Three Part Four Part Five Part Six Part Seven
Four-horned Chameleons Oustalet's Chameleons Other Chameleons : 1- Brookesia 1 , 2 , 3